Indium

Introduction Though some might think that Indium is named after India, this element is actually named after the deep blue spectral line that it emits, the color indigo. Friedrich Reich and Theodor Richter discovered this indigo element by accident. While searching for what is now the element, Thallium, they stubbled upon this new element, Indium. Most people do not appreciate just how much this discovery has changed the way that we live today. Large amounts of people use touchscreen phones, TV’s, and some even have solar panels. Without Indium that would all change.

History In 1863, two scientists by the names of Friedrich Reich and Theodor Richter were determined to find the element we now know as Thallium. Little did these two know the discovery they were about to make would change the lives of many people after them. After secluding zinc chloride from multiple minerals they rummaged for the element Thallium. Though they failed to discover the Thallium element, they did however discover a new element, Indium. With an atomic number of 49 and an atomic mass of 114.818, Indium, with the symbol In, was much different than the Thallium, with the symbol Th.

Uses Many do not even notice Indium, but they would notice if God did not create it. Indium is used in very many things. The main reason that it is in many things is because it conducts electricity, bonds to glass, and is transparent. Indium metal sticks to glass and gives windows on tall buildings a mirror finish. Indium alloy has been used in fire-sprinkler systems because of their low melting point as well.

Production Indium is fairly common in the Earth. In the Earth’s crust, Indium is the 61st most common element. Some Indium minerals are unknown also, and none are in the the major deposits in the Earth. Indium production now is usually 475 tons per year from extractions and 650 tons per year from recycling.

Bonding What bonds with Indium to create the things people use in everyday life? The transparent and good conductor of electricity that most use everyday is a mixture of Indium [III] and Tin [IV] oxides. Another compound, Indium [III], Nitride, and Gallium [III] Nitride, is used in LEDs.

Conclusion The soft, silvery metal that is stable in water and air, known as Indium has shaped the world though many do not know it. Many take for granted this element and don’t appreciate the thought and complexity God put into designing the Earth, but Indium is worth the appreciation.